School board moves ahead with new bond projects

PATSY OLIVER

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Saturday was a very, very significant step forward for this district," said HISD Superintendent Dr. Guy Sconzo, referring to the passing of Propositions One and Two on April 2 with a combined total of more than $342 million.

One of the first orders of business was to order the issuance of up to $40 million in unlimited tax refunding bonds and $42,300,000 in unlimited tax school building bonds.

The matter was discussed at length and it was estimated that the issuance of the refunding bonds would save the district about $1.3 million.

Architect Carl Joiner, of Joiner Partnership, Inc., spoke to the board about the design of Elementary School #22. The school will be located in the Canyon Gate at Park Lakes subdivision, on the north side of Beltway 8 and the west side of Wilson Road.

The school will accommodate 750 students and much discussion ensued concerning the possible need for a larger school.

"Are we building a school that is too small from the beginning?" asked board member Dave Martin.

Board members and planners addressed the matter and Sconzo noted that Martin's concern to not move elementary school students was a valid one.

"That's a very important red flag to run up," said Sconzo.

Sconzo stated that the boundaries had not yet been determined for the school and also that portable buildings would be used to accommodate additional students until the development in the area stabilizes.

"We will look at it in advance and try to avoid moving elementary children," said Sconzo.

Board member Mike Sullivan asked who would determine which students would be moved to the portable buildings in the event of overcrowding.

Sconzo answered that the decision was typically made by the school's principal.

The board agreed that the issue of size, with regard to new elementary school construction, would be studied to determine what would best suit the district's future needs. They appeared in agreement that they would not be interested in the very large schools that some districts are now constructing, which hold as many as 1,400 students.

The board did approve design development documents for Elementary School #22.

Sconzo stated that he was disappointed in the inability to bring Elementary School #23 forward at the meeting, citing that land acquisition was still an issue.

Elementary School #21, in Eagle Springs, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2006 and is being constructed as part of the 2002 bond.

Elementary Schools #22 and #23 are also projected to open for the 2006-2007 school year, as is Atascocita High School.

The contract for the construction of Kingwood Park High School (KPHS) was awarded to Durotech, Inc.

Sullivan questioned the decision to include portable bleachers in the package as opposed to the fixed seating that was originally planned.

It was explained that the reasoning was due to the project being over budget, and this was an area where planners felt a concession could be made.

Sconzo stated that the school would be everything that the people had asked for, citing the inclusion of a food court, natatorium, auditorium, gym, JROTC building, baseball field and more.

Board president Lynn Fields told representatives of Durotech, "This is a high expectation area and I know that you're going to do a great job."

"We look forward to the opportunity and we plan on meeting those expectations," returned David Rowe, president of Durotech.

The cost of KPHS was originally to be funded as part of the 2002 bond; however, that amount was not projected to include the aforementioned improvements. The money needed to bring the facility to the standards of a four-year school is included as part of the 2005 bond as well.

Sconzo stated, in an update on legislative issues, that he was pleased to learn of the defeat of a bill that would have placed a cap on property tax appraisals.

Sullivan stated that he did want to go on record as having been in support of the cap.

At the start of the meeting, the board recognized top performers in the district for their excellent contributions.

Graciously applauded was the KHS boys' basketball team, who were this year's Class 5-A state champions. The team ended the season with an amazing record of 37-4.

The KHS boys' swim team was also recognized for earning the title of Class 5-A state team champions, as they swept every event at the state finals.

The Humble High School (HHS) girls' basketball team was commended for achieving the status of Class-5A runner-up champions, while their coach, Beth Jesurun, was named Texas Women's High School Coach of the Year.

The board also recognized the achievements of the district's numerous band, orchestra and choir members who earned All-State positions. It was reported that of the 28,000 hopefuls each year, only 900 are selected.

Whispering Pines Elementary fifth-grader, Taylor White, was applauded for becoming a state semi-finalist in the Letters About Literacy essay contest. White's essay was chosen out of more than 2,500 entries. Her teacher, Joni Griffith, was also praised for her talent in nurturing the literacy interests of all of her students.

Other actions approved by board members included:

* petitions for refunds greater than $500;

* requests for waiver of penalty and interest on a delinquent tax account;

* budgetary amendments;

* award of the depository contract for 2005-2007 to JP Morgan Chase Bank;

* final payment of $360,234 to Drymalla Construction Co. for renovations at Foster and Lakeland Elementary Schools and Creekwood and Kingwood Middle Schools;

* payment of water and wastewater capital recovery impact fees totaling $43,028 to the city of Houston for utility services to KPHS;

* bid award for roof replacements at Elm Grove and Woodland Hills Elementary Schools to Construction Services totaling $473,200, and roof replacement at the HISD police building to Pyramid Waterproofing in the amount of $23, 500;

* cancellation of the trustee election for May 7, 2005, for Positions Six and Seven.

The HISD Board of Trustees meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the administration building located at 20200 Eastway Village Dr., in Humble.